Founder of company behind legendary Isle of Man TT team dies

The founder of Padgett’s Motorcycles, Peter Padgett, has died, it has been announced.

Padgett, who co-founded Padgett’s Motorcycles in 1958 along with his brother, Don, was 94 at the time of his passing. He had raced himself in the 1960s before supporting his son, Clive's, career through the 1970s.

“It is with an extremely heavy heart that today 9th March 2026, we said goodbye to our founder Mr Peter Padgett,” the social media post from Padgett’s Motorcycles reads.

“He died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife Audrey, son Clive, daughter in law Sue, daughter Cath and granddaughter Helen.

“We would ask for your kindness and understanding at the very difficult time for our family.

“So as many Irish road race fans would say “there’s only one Peter Padgett”!

“Thank you, love the Padgett Family.”

Founded in 1958 Padgett’s Motorcycles was first a Yamaha dealership, then Honda and Suzuki arrived in 1960 and 1963, respectively. All three brands are still distributed by Padgett’s in 2026.

Racing began for Padgett’s in the 1960s, including for Peter himself, but it wasn’t until 1971 that they made their mark on the Isle of Man TT, where the Padgett’s Motorcycles name has gone on to become legendary, scoring their first podium with Gordon Pantall in the Junior race that year. 

The team has gone on to work, and win, with some of the most recognisable names in motorcycle road racing, including John McGuinness, Bruce Anstey, and Ian Hutchinson, who completed his historic five-win week at the 2010 Isle of Man TT with Padgett’s machinery in all three solo classes: Superbike, Superstock, and Supersport.